Posted by Minnie-Haha on March 20, 2005, at 19:29:17
In reply to Medications and sleep, specifically REM sleep, posted by Sarah T. on March 19, 2005, at 3:09:22
> If it is true that REM sleep allows receptors to rest and regain sensitivity, that would explain why I have done so poorly on antidepressants, most of which suppress REM sleep. Further, certain stages of sleep, including REM sleep, are critical for learning and memory. If AD's suppress REM sleep, that might explain why I had such a tough time learning while on AD's. In fact, I'm convinced that if I'd been on AD's when I was in college, I probably wouldn't even have a Bachelor's degree yet. Memory impairment and amotivational syndromes are not what you want when you're trying to get through school.
I was on antidepressants (and mood stabilizers -- I'm BP2) for the first three years I was getting my bachelor's degree, and I did fine. I went on a "drug holiday" (I hate that term) the last year and almost didn't make it... and I'd drop from 4 classes a semester to 2!
> In any event, I'm interested to hear what others have to say about the above-mentioned hypotheses on REM sleep.Before I got on Cymbalta in December, I'd gone through 15 months of hell. Anxiety, insomnia, and depression. When I did sleep (I was lucky to get 4 hours) I never dreamed (that I remember, anyway). Now, I dream just about every night.
I think it's a great hypothesis, but FWIW, my experience doesn't support it. Great thinking, though.
poster:Minnie-Haha
thread:472726
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050317/msgs/473328.html